Welcome to the Alumni Community Newsletter July edition!

This month includes another sporting trophy mystery, UoC celebrating University Sanctuary Status, latest news and more!

There’s still time to book on to this programme of free, inclusive and accessible public events!

Covering a wide range of themes in and around Chester, co-created by the University of Chester and external stakeholders and city partners, you can join us for a diverse range of events: speakers, discussion panels, theatre, pop-up exhibitions, interactive events, music, readings, guided walks and more. 
 

From the 3rd-6th July, see the schedule of events and book to join here 

In the Alumni Community Update, we showed you two sporting trophies from the Alumni archive - thank you to everyone who got in touch with more information, it was very helpful for us!

This time we’re looking for anyone who can help with this trophy from 1891.

It was awarded to Sgt Seward of the 1st Cheshire and Caernarvonshire Artillery Volunteers when he won the Queen’s Prize shooting competition at what is now MOD Shoeburyness.

The trophy was presented by HRH Princess Mary of Cambridge, the Duchess of Teck who was Queen Victoria’s cousin.

Does anyone know how this trophy ended up at the university or anything about Sgt Seward?  

Please get in touch at alumni@chester.ac.uk if you can help!

Thursday, 10 July 2025, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

If you’re a registered professional working within health and social services, and thinking of studying for a doctorate, then join us at one of our online Doctorate Information Events.

At our events you can learn about our available courses, meet with current doctoral students, and speak to staff, like programme leader Dr Hazel Chapman. 

Click here to find out more

Wednesday 2nd July 2025, 4:00PM - 5:00PM

Exton Park, Chester/Online

Join Uná Meehan and Charlotte Smith (Director of Conservation Education at Chester Zoo), along with Rosalind Mist (Director of Education and Youth Engagement at WWF-UK), and colleagues from our wider partnership, as we explore the ethical, professional, and pedagogical challenges facing educators in the environmental sector.

This event will explore the complex challenges faced by those working within conservation and sustainability education. Are educators simply informing – or are they campaigning, or even attempting to influence learner behaviour? And why do these distinctions matter?

As the climate and biodiversity crises become increasingly urgent societal issues, the boundaries between education and activism are becoming blurred. This discussion will examine the ethical, professional, and pedagogical tensions that arise when teaching about environmental issues – and consider how we can empower both learners and educators, across disciplines and levels of study, without compromising the integrity and purpose of education.

Whether you're working in formal education, a charity, higher education, or an informal learning environment – or are responsible for upskilling your colleagues – this session offers space for reflection, challenge, and connection.

Book your place to attend either in-person or online

Wednesday, 02 July 2025, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
 

The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society (FHMS) Historical Society's Riverside Museum, based at the University’s Wheeler Building on Castle Drive, contains a permanent collection of curiosities from the world of medicine, nursing, midwifery and social work, in addition to an original letter written by Florence Nightingale from Balaclava.
Visitors with an interest in health and social care or local and social history are always welcome to visit the Museum and find out more from the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society Historical Society volunteers, many of whom have a healthcare background.
There is no need to book for the standard opening times but group bookings for six or more people can be made at other times by prior arrangement.

Find out more here

Our university is so lucky to have such an engaged Alumni community. Please don’t forget there are many ways that you can support your University. Through your time and talent; volunteering to speak to our students or supporting them through mentoring and more. 

For details about how you can support us, please visit our giving page or get in touch via: giving@chester.ac.uk 

We are delighted to share that we have earned University of Sanctuary status, awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally co-ordinated network of organisations and services, including councils, universities, theatres and libraries that welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum.

A celebration event was held at the University’s Exton Park campus on 17th June, with the presentation made by Rev Dr Inderjit Singh Bhogal OBE, founder and President of the City of Sanctuary movement.

Read more here

Theology and Religious Studies 'Find Out More' Information Event (in-person and online)

Wednesday, 30 July 2025, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Exton Park, Chester/Online

This event gives you the chance to meet both staff and students in an informal and friendly atmosphere. You’ll discover more about our academic department, explore our Master's and Doctoral courses, discuss our PhD options, and learn about the unique nature of postgraduate studies with us.

This event also provides an opportunity to consider the broader relevance of advanced study in theology and religious studies; our courses equip you with critical insight and analytical skills that are highly valuable in today’s world, and we are open to discussion! In an era marked by diverse perspectives and complex global issues, an in-depth understanding of religious beliefs, practices, and ethical frameworks is essential for those aiming to engage and facilitate cultural and religious literacy. These areas are core to our courses' current and comprehensive curriculum.

Find out more and book your free place here

Part-time Postgraduate Education Online Information Event

Wednesday, 16 July 2025, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

We offer a wide range of postgraduate courses within Childhood, Education, and Professional Development (CEPD) which are specifically designed to prepare learners for a career within the children, young people and families workforce, or to significantly upskill individuals who are currently working within the education sector.

This event provides you with the opportunity to discover the courses we have on offer and will outline how we can support you to become a successful lifelong learner. Meet our course leaders, who will be able to answer your questions about how we can tailor your learning to the specific needs of your profession, or your future career. Discover how you will learn from research-active staff and find new pathways that allow you to develop in-professional practice, personal achievement, and academic success. 

Book your online place here

From a students first research conference, to art exhibitions and TV shows featuring some of our academics, each month the University shares a wide range of news updates which you can follow on the website’s ‘News Page’.  

One of our highlights this month includes, the release of the next podcast episode, The Psychology of...Music. In this episode, the team discusses how rhythms inspire teamwork and momentum, how music festivals can inspire social bonding, and how music tempo can inspire people’s dining habits. 

Listen to the podcast on Spotify

Want your gardening skills to bloom, but have no outdoor space of your own? With the right plant, you can find the right place to embrace indoor horticulture! Last year Manchester hosted the first-ever RHS Urban Show, where attendees were able access tips about creating their own balcony garden, learn how to choose the right houseplant, and discover the latest agricultural trends.

Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO)

T: +44 (0)1244 512477
E: alumni@chester.ac.uk
W: www.chester.ac.uk/alumni

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